Bioactive ceramics, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), particles reinforced bioabsorbable plastics poly-L lactide (PLLA) composites have been expected to apply for the fracture fixations which have more biocompatibility than monolithic PLLA. In this study, β-TCP/PLLA composites containing three different β-TCP contents (4.8, 9.5, 14.3wt%) were prepared by injection molding. The results of bending tests show bending strength decreases with increasing β-TCP contents. On the other hand, bending modulus increases with increasing β-TCP contents. After immersion tests in PBS at 37°C up to 8 weeks, the mechanical properties were hardly degraded in all specimens. The results of fracture surface observation by scanning electron microscopy indicated that microscopic damage such as debonding between β-TCP and PLLA initiates at β-TCP agglomeration and grows with increasing loading. Analytical predictions of the relationship between stress and strain based on micromechanics considering the progress of debonding between β-TCP and PLLA were in good agreement with experimental results.
JSME international journal. Ser. 1, Solid mechanics, strength of materials
JSME international journal. Ser. A, Mechanics and material engineering
JSME international journal. Ser. 3, Vibration, control engineering, engineering for industry
JSME international journal. Ser. C, Dynamics, control, robotics, design and manufacturing
JSME International Journal Series C Mechanical Systems, Machine Elements and Manufacturing
JSME International Journal Series B Fluids and Thermal Engineering